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Close Call Sports objectively tracks and analyzes close and controversial calls in sport, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game. Developed from The Left Field Corner's MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (UEFL), baseball's number one source for umpire ejections, video instant replay reviews and their corresponding calls, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game.

Friday, May 23, 2014

MLB Replay Reviews 352-353: Phil Cuzzi (04-05)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Phil Cuzzi's safe (trap) call in the bottom of the 4th and upheld Cuzzi's out call in the top of the 5th inning of the Cubs-Padres game. In the 4th, with one out and one on, Padres batter Seth Smith hit a 1-1 fastball from Cubs pitcher Edwin Jackson on a line drive to right fielder Nate Schierholtz, who dove towards the sinking ball. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, Cuzzi's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Padres were leading, 7-0.

In the 5th, with two outs and one on, Cubs batter Emilio Bonifacio hit a 1-0 fastball from Padres pitcher Tim Stauffer on the ground to first baseman Yonder Alonso, who threw to Stauffer as Bonifacio arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Renteria, Cuzzi's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Padres were leading, 8-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 11-1.